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This week's Deals with Gold features discounts on a handful of PopCap-developed games for Xbox Live Gold subscribers. Xbox One owners can pick up third-person shooter Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare at 66 percent off ($13.59) as well as Peggle 2 at 60 percent off ($4.79). Garden Warfare is just $10.19 this week on Xbox 360 as well.

Other Xbox 360 games are half-off this week, such as the original Peggle ($4.99) and its Peggle Nights expansion ($2.49) as well as Bejeweled 3 and Plants vs. Zombies ($7.49 each). Lastly, players can download both Zuma and Feeding Frenzy ($2.49 each) as well as their sequels Zuma's Revenge and Feeding Frenzy 2 ($4.99 each). The deals are good through Monday, December 15.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweled-3deals-with-golddiscountsEAea-gamesElectronic-Artsfeeding-frenzyfeeding-frenzy-2games-on-demandmicrosoftpegglepeggle-2peggle-nightsplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-garden-warfarepopcapPopCap-Gamespuzzlepuzzlesxblaxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldxbox-onezumazumas-revengeTue, 09 Dec 2014 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/peggle-blast-hits-ios-android-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/peggle-blast-hits-ios-android-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/peggle-blast-hits-ios-android-this-fall/#comments
A new game in the addictive peg-busting Peggle series will arrive this fall on iPad, iPhone and Android devices. Peggle Blast was announced alongside the space bar-avoiding SimCity BuildIt and FIFA 15 Ultimate Team by EA Mobile head Frank Gibeau this week, the latter launching later this month for mobile devices. Peggle Blast will feature Peggle Master characters and quests that are new to the series. According to Pocket Gamer, the game will be free to play like another entry in one of PopCap's other popular series, Plants vs Zombies 2.

The three games are among "a dozen" from EA Mobile "in the pipeline that will launch over the next year." Gibeau also revealed this week that the publisher's mobile division has two teams committed to prototyping game experiences for Apple's recently-announced Apple Watch device. John Vechey, co-founder of Peggle developer PopCap, announced his departure from the studio late last week.

PopCap co-founder John Vechey is leaving his role as CEO at the Plants vs. Zombies 2 developer. In a departing message shared by EA, Vechey notes that his leave follows a sabbatical, which allowed him to "step back and appreciate what I have in life, and what the future has in store."

Although Vechey's plans for the immediate future focus on working with non-profit environmental news group Grist, PopCap is assuredly still focused on games: EA followed Vechey's post by mentioning "an all-new Peggle" among the studio's upcoming projects, as well as "global opportunities for PopCap brands like PvZ."

Vechey's role as CEO began eight months ago, when he left his role as VP of development and strategy and, as was then described by his LinkedIn profile, "spearheading/helping new initiatives." Vechey was the only original founder left at PopCap after fellow co-founder Jason Kapalka moved to a consultant's role on January 8, 2013.

Chip in more than $6 and you'll also get the Game of the Year Edition of PopCap's tower defense strategy game Plants vs. Zombies, DLC expansion Peggle Nights, and color-matching puzzler Zuma's Revenge. PopCap owner Electronic Arts is donating all bundle proceeds to The V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Melanoma Research Alliance.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweled-3bundlehumble-bundlehumble-weekly-salemacpcpeggleplants-vs-zombiespopcapzumas-revengeThu, 06 Mar 2014 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/10/xbox-one-does-not-require-demos-devs-to-make-that-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/10/xbox-one-does-not-require-demos-devs-to-make-that-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/10/xbox-one-does-not-require-demos-devs-to-make-that-decision/#comments
The Xbox 360 featured a demo for every Xbox Live Arcade release. It had to, because Microsoft made that a mandate. For the Xbox One however, things have changed, and now developers decide whether or not they want to release a demo.

"It is (and always has been) up to game developers to do demos for their own games," wrote Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb on his blog. "They'll [sic] be more demos for Xbox One as the platform goes forward." Hryb was later asked why Microsoft changed its demo policy, but offered no response to that question.

Hryb's statement came in response to discussion of Peggle 2, a recent release that offers players a free demo. That's good, but problematically the Xbox One interface does nothing to separate what were previously considered Arcade games from their retail brethren. As a result, finding the demo is more difficult than it reasonably should be.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoMajor-Nelsonmicrosoftpegglepeggle-2popcap-gamesxbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-oneTue, 10 Dec 2013 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/11/more-ios-app-store-anniversary-goodies-angry-birds-star-wars-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/11/more-ios-app-store-anniversary-goodies-angry-birds-star-wars-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/11/more-ios-app-store-anniversary-goodies-angry-birds-star-wars-d/#comments
Apple's celebration of the iOS App Store's five year anniversary continues with more free/discounted games with which to smudge up that capacitive touchscreen. In addition to the stuff that was made free yesterday, Chopper, Peggle, Dead Space, Mirror's Edge, Flight Control and Angry Birds Star Wars are now available at no cost.

Moreover, the iPad version of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has been discounted to $5, though its mysterious monetary adjustment may not be directly related to Apple's festivities. As a result, there's no telling how long that particular discount will last. Jump past the break for all the applicable iTunes links.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birds-star-warschopperdead-spaceflight-controliosipadiphonemirrors-edgemobilepegglestar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicThu, 11 Jul 2013 19:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/peggle-2-coming-this-year-from-popcap/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/peggle-2-coming-this-year-from-popcap/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/peggle-2-coming-this-year-from-popcap/#comments
Popcap's John Vechey just announced Peggle 2 will launch this year on unknown platforms from PopCap.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2013eaelectronic-artspegglepeggle-2popcappopcap-gamesMon, 10 Jun 2013 16:10:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/all-popcap-games-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/all-popcap-games-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/all-popcap-games-half-off-this-weekend/#commentsTo celebrate the Chinese New Year, PopCap put every game in its library on sale through Tuesday, February 12. All downloadable PC games are 50 percent off though the developer's store, including Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle and Bejeweled 3.

The sale could certainly fund PopCap's "AAA console title" ambitions, but the savings are passed on to you, the player. That extra money equates to a lot of burritos, or in this weekend's case, egg rolls.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweled-3chinese-new-yearpcpegglePlants-vs-ZombiesPopCapPopCap-GamessaleSat, 09 Feb 2013 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/peggle-hd-launches-on-the-ipad-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/peggle-hd-launches-on-the-ipad-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/peggle-hd-launches-on-the-ipad-tomorrow/#comments
You know how you promised to, like, do stuff tomorrow? Forget it, you've got new plans -- addictive, intoxicating plans. Popcap has announced via its Twitter account that Peggle HD launches on the App store tomorrow. No price was revealed but, honestly, does it matter? Of course it doesn't.

So, we suggest in light of this news that you start going around, stocking up on goodwill with the people in your life. Help them in these last few hours of Wednesday, August 24. Once it's the 25th, you're gonna need to use up some of that goodwill ignoring everything except your iPad.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleeaiosipadmobilePegglepeggle-hdpopcapWed, 24 Aug 2011 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/popcap-games-to-be-bundled-with-sony-ericsson-phones-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/popcap-games-to-be-bundled-with-sony-ericsson-phones-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/popcap-games-to-be-bundled-with-sony-ericsson-phones-in-europe/#commentsPopCap and Sony Ericsson today announced an agreement that will finally bring the casual developer's titles to Android devices in Europe. The agreement will bring them to exactly two of Sony's platforms, the Xperia Mini and the Xperia Mini Pro, as they roll out this summer. Three of PopCap's titles will be pre-loaded onto the devices, specifically the full version of Chuzzle and trial versions of Plants vs. Zombies and Peggle.

In the press release detailing the agreement, PopCap's Giordano Bruno Contestabile stated, "We are delighted to partner with Sony Ericsson to fulfill our promise to Android users and bring PopCap's hit mobile games to an ever-widening base of smartphone users." Presumably, PopCap's titles will spread to more than two of Sony's phones in the future.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chuzzleeuropemobilepegglePlants-vs-Zombiespopcappopcap-gamessonysony-ericssonxperiaWed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/report-popcap-being-acquired-for-over-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/report-popcap-being-acquired-for-over-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/report-popcap-being-acquired-for-over-1-billion/#comments
TechCrunch reports, by way of "multiple sources," that casual gaming powerhouse PopCap - the group behind Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle, and every other game your mom loves and you won't admit to loving - is in the process of being acquired.

... for over $1 billion.

While you consider all the wrong decisions you've made with your life, we'll finish writing this post so we can join you. The buyer remains unknown and, while growth-happy dev Zynga seems like an obvious pick, TC is hearing that PopCap's asking price (over $1 billion, remember?) was too rich for its blood.

[Update 6:09pm ET - As is to be expected, PopCap issued us the following comment: "Per company policy, we do not comment on rumors and speculation of this nature." 6:45pm ET - PopCap's soon-to-be "Customer Engagement Lead" Jennifer Kye took to Twitter to say, "Not true. Rumor debunked." She later clarified that she would be "working there next week" and that her soon-to-be "boss confirmed it" for her. We've again reached out to PopCap for another statement. 7:02pm ET - And PopCap got back to us again - they're really good about that - with the same no comment: "we do not comment on rumors and speculation of this nature."]

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessPegglePlants-vs-ZombiesPopCapPopCap-GamesWed, 22 Jun 2011 17:50:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/xbl-deal-of-the-week-is-having-a-spring-fling/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/xbl-deal-of-the-week-is-having-a-spring-fling/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/xbl-deal-of-the-week-is-having-a-spring-fling/#comments
The Xbox Live Deal of the Week is going for a spring theme this week, offering discounts on several vernal games and items. Of particular note are Peggle and Ilomilo, both of which can be had for just 400 points each ($5), and you can throw in Peggle Nights for another 200 ($2.50).

You'll also find it cheaper to deal with the zombies on your lawn, as Plants vs. Zombies has been knocked down to 800 points ($10). If none of that is appealing, you could always snag an Avatar monkey prop for 120 points ($1.50), because nothing says "spring" like monkeys.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekilomilomicrosoftpegglepeggle-nightsplants-vs-zombiesxboxxbox-liveTue, 19 Apr 2011 12:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/peggle-faithfully-recreated-in-littlebigplanet-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/peggle-faithfully-recreated-in-littlebigplanet-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/peggle-faithfully-recreated-in-littlebigplanet-2/#commentsHaving both Peggle and LittleBigPlanet 2 on the same plane of reality meant this had to happen sooner or later. With Peggle already on every platform known to man, and LBP2 molding itself T-1000 style into every game imaginable, why wouldn't we get the Plinko puzzler recreated in Sackboy's world?

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LittleBigPlanet-2media-moleculepeggleplaystationpopcap-gamesps3Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/11-psn-games-discounted-by-50-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/11-psn-games-discounted-by-50-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/11-psn-games-discounted-by-50-tomorrow/#comments
Tomorrow's PSN update will be notable for what it adds to the PlayStation Store, though you may be a little fonder of what it's set to remove: fifty percent from the price of 11 games in an "11 for 2011" sale.

Among the discounted games are Double's Fine enchanting Costume Quest for $7.49, hypnotic brick breaker Shatterfor $3.99 (its excellent soundtrack is also discounted to $2.99), and Hoard for $7.49 -- a fitting saving for a dragon looking to amass a boast-worthy pile of presents and a roast-worthy mass of peasants. Sony has also included other well-received games like Swords and Soldiers, Tumble and Space Invaders Infinity Gene in the sale (valid in the US, Canada and Mexico through January 31).

Have a peek at the full list after the break. Warning: Peggle is in there too.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-for-2011comet-crashCostume-QuestDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuehoardmotorstorm-3d-riftpeggleplaystationps3psnshatterSoldner-X-2-Final-Prototypespace-invaders-infinity-geneswords-and-soldierstumbleMon, 24 Jan 2011 15:40:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/plants-vs-zombies-peggle-coming-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/plants-vs-zombies-peggle-coming-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/plants-vs-zombies-peggle-coming-to-android/#comments
Things are looking up for game-loving Android owners. First, we unveiled the Android version of the Joystiq app and now, much less interestingly, PopCap reveals that both Peggle and Plants vs. Zombies are headed to Android as well. Posting on Twitter, PopCap's Jeff Green uploaded images of bothgames running on an Android device. In response to another Tweet, Green also stated that the games won't be supported by ads, but will "probably" be sold via "the various marketplaces."

We've contacted PopCap to see if we can dig up any more information. We'll plant an update right here if we hear anything.

Update: PopCap isn't sharing details on its upcoming Android titles, saying only that they are "coming along" and that the first titles -- not necessarily Plants vs. Zombies or Peggle -- should launch in Q2 2011.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilepegglePlants-vs-ZombiespopcapMon, 17 Jan 2011 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/13/peggle-bounces-onto-psp-on-tuesday-for-9-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/13/peggle-bounces-onto-psp-on-tuesday-for-9-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/13/peggle-bounces-onto-psp-on-tuesday-for-9-99/#comments
While it may not hold the same honors as Dead Space Girl, this mouth-watering image is one of the most frequently used throughout Joystiq history, reserved for many of our Peggle-related stories. Considering its wide cross-platform availability, we're almost certain you know exactly what Peggle is, and why it's so addicting. Surprisingly, PopCap's game has not yet made it to Sony's handheld -- a fact will be rectified next Tuesday when it lands on the PSN for $9.99.

PopCap's Michael Santora promises that the PSP version will include "all the original Masters, challenges, and levels in adventure mode," but unfortunately, he makes no mention of any Peggle Nights. Considering how late the PSP version is, we're surprised no additional content is being added. It certainly makes justifying the $10 asking price a bit more difficult.

If you're just now in the final stages of recovery from your brutal, all-consuming addiction to the iPhone version of Peggle, then look away! Quickly, before it's too late! Okay, there's your fair warning -- the Peggle Nights expansion is now available to download through the iPhone port's in-app store, adding a whole slew of new (and darker) levels to the addictive Pachinko title for $2.99.

Though the announcement for the expansion claims that its contents come free with new purchases of Peggle starting today, it seems new purchasers actually just get access to a five-level sampler pack of Nights. The demo is also available to longtime mobile Pegglers with a free update to the title through the App Store. If this isn't proof that the company is run by extremely successful former drug dealers, we don't know what is.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeiphonemobilePegglepeggle-nightspopcapMon, 04 Oct 2010 11:25:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/peggle-for-a-buck-many-top-ios-games-on-sale-for-crazy-low-pric/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/peggle-for-a-buck-many-top-ios-games-on-sale-for-crazy-low-pric/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/peggle-for-a-buck-many-top-ios-games-on-sale-for-crazy-low-pric/#comments
What could be better than the iOS version of PopCap's crazy-addictive totally excellent Peggle for only $0.99? Try a whole bunch of top-shelf games for Apple's devices on sale for a buck, some of which normally run $5 or more. The likes of Osmos, Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor, Need for Speed Shift, both Monkey Island SEs and more are being offered at the price.

Others, including Mirror's Edge, Castlevania Puzzle and Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2 have dropped to $1.99. These prices are temporary, of course, and without any announced end dates for the various sales, we'd advise getting 'em while they're hot. You'll find a full list super savings after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeiosmobilePegglesaleThu, 30 Sep 2010 17:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/its-an-xbl-deal-of-the-week-extrabonanza/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/its-an-xbl-deal-of-the-week-extrabonanza/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/its-an-xbl-deal-of-the-week-extrabonanza/#comments
If Xbox Live were a used car lot, it would be positively festooned with colorful flags and packed to the brim with giant, inflatable animals this week. Six XBLA games have reduced prices this week and, what's more, each one is actually worth your attention. Worms 2: Armageddon, Peggle and Duke Nukem 3D have all seen their prices knocked from 800 ($10) to a pittance: 400 ($5). Meanwhile, Serious Sam HD, Battlefield 1943 and Call of Duty Classic have dropped from 1200 ($15) to 800 ($10). Add all those up and you've got six nutritious, filling games for $45 (through Sunday).

Seriously though, Peggle? For $5? And Worms 2? You'd have to have heart of stone (or a wallet filled with moths) to turn that down.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-1943Call-of-Duty-ClassicDeal-of-the-WeekDuke-Nukem-3DmicrosoftPeggleSerious-Sam-HD-The-First-EncounterWorms-2-ArmageddonXBLAXBLMxboxXbox-360Xbox-LiveMon, 07 Jun 2010 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-takes-both-popcap-arcade-collections-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-takes-both-popcap-arcade-collections-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-takes-both-popcap-arcade-collections-to-japan/#comments
Microsoft recently turned its eyes to the east and decided, you know what, the good people of Japan look like they have way too much free time on their hands. Its solution for their overabundance of recreational opportunities was one we've become very familiar with over the past few years: The company will bring both volumes of the PopCap Arcade collection for Xbox 360 over to Japan in a single bundle, retailing for 3,990 yen ($43).

This one, malevolent disc contains within its circular borders a cornucopia of time-devouring casual classics: Bejeweled 2, Zuma, Feeding Frenzy, Astropop, Heavy Weapon, Feeding Frenzy 2, and Peggle. By our estimation, Japan should get back to being productive sometime in the middle of 2014.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astropopbejeweled-2casualfeeding-frenzyfeeding-frenzy-2heavy-weaponjapanmicrosoftpegglePeggle-XBLApopcapPopcap-GamesPuzzlexblaXbox-360zumaTue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/free-peggle-nights-what-more-do-you-need-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/free-peggle-nights-what-more-do-you-need-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/free-peggle-nights-what-more-do-you-need-here/#comments
The word "free" is a funny thing, isn't it? If you think it means getting something without spending money on it, then we guess a new promotion that allows you to get Peggle Nights for yourself or a family member just by signing up for PopCap's newsletter is pretty darn free.

But if you think "free" means "without cost," "without sacrifice" or "without having to miss out on your kid's piano recital because that last orange peg is just sitting there mocking you," then Peggle Nights is just about the least "free" game you can find.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplefreeiPadiPodpegglepeggle-nightspopcapPopcap-GamesPuzzleTue, 23 Feb 2010 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/iphone-game-devs-give-us-their-thoughts-on-the-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/iphone-game-devs-give-us-their-thoughts-on-the-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/iphone-game-devs-give-us-their-thoughts-on-the-ipad/#comments
With yesterday's announcement from Apple of its much hyped "latest creation" -- the iPad -- and the news that already existing iPhone applications (that means games too, folks) will be playable on the device, we started wondering how the developers of the world felt about this shiny new piece of gadgetry. So we asked a handful of our favorites -- Canabalt's Adam "Atomic" Saltsman, Pocket God's Dave Castelnuovo, and PopCap's Andrew Stein, just to namedrop a few -- to give us their reactions.

"It's hard to say anything concrete without actually playing with the thing personally, but I'm optimistic about it continuing to open up video games to even more 'normal' people," Saltsman told us. "I'm hopeful that having a big multitouch space will help mediate the whole 'fat fingers on a tiny screen' problem." PopCap's Andrew Stein agreed, telling us "We'll certainly look at the unique capabilities of the iPad and work hard to utilize those in instances where they can make our games even more fun."

Republic of Fun prez Mike Rasmussen sees things a bit differently, noting the opportunity in the upped horsepower of the device. "From a pure gaming perspective, I'm excited about the additional resolution and horsepower, and really interested to start understanding the 3D performance of the A4 [chip]." But even the most successful app developer on the market -- Pocket God creator Dave Castelnuovo -- seems a bit reticent of the iPad, telling us he sees "a lot of potential with the device," but his company is going to "wait to see what kind of acceptance the tablet will have" before moving forward with development.

But that's not all! See the full reactions from a variety of iPhone game developers after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanandrew-steinappleapple-ipadbattle-blastersbejeweledbolt-creativecanabaltdave-castelnuovodeveloperformationipadiPodjason-franzenkernlittle-guy-gamespegglepocket-godpopcaptom-frencelThu, 28 Jan 2010 14:20:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/proceeds-from-todays-popcap-sales-go-to-haiti-recovery-efforts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/proceeds-from-todays-popcap-sales-go-to-haiti-recovery-efforts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/proceeds-from-todays-popcap-sales-go-to-haiti-recovery-efforts/#comments
If you've been sitting on your duff, waiting for a chance to pick up a digital copy of Plants vs. Zombies or Peggle, you might just want to take the plunge at some point today. No, none of the developer's titles are temporarily discounted -- rather, for one day only, all monies spent on any of the games in PopCap's store will go directly to Partners in Health; an organization that's currently working to help Haiti recover from the catastrophic earthquake it suffered earlier this week.

It's a pretty generous promotion from the casual gaming juggernaut -- but it's only running until midnight. Get to shopping, Joystiq Biomass!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplecasualcharityhaitiiPadiPodpeggleplants-vs-zombiespopcapPopcap-GamesPuzzleSat, 16 Jan 2010 11:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/popcap-offers-free-levels-for-peggle-nights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/popcap-offers-free-levels-for-peggle-nights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/popcap-offers-free-levels-for-peggle-nights/#comments
And here we thought PopCap was quite the expert dealer, allowing people to try Pegglefor free, then charging when users inevitably came running back for another hit of the sweet stuff. Instead, the casual games giant has just revealed it's going to offer free bonus content for Peggle Nights, the sequel to its first Peggle game.

The "Art Contest" level pack features five brand-new levels, based on submissions in the Peggle Art Contest from early last year. These new levels can be played in both the Quick Play and Duel modes, and are also the basis for five new challenges in Challenge mode.

If you're looking for a fix, you can cram these levels in your pipe and smoke 'em by heading over to PopCap's site here.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleart-contestart-contest-level-packcasualiPadiPodpegglepeggle-nightspopcappopcap-gamesPuzzleThu, 14 Jan 2010 15:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/a-whole-bunch-of-popcap-games-offered-at-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/a-whole-bunch-of-popcap-games-offered-at-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/a-whole-bunch-of-popcap-games-offered-at-half-price/#comments
You've probably got plenty of games from the present-receiving ceremony of your holiday of choice -- unfortunately, they're all about to get brutally neglected. Casual gaming juggernaut PopCap is offering 15 of its games for half-price; for most of these titles, that knocks the cost down to $9.95. Sadly, there won't be any opportunities to sink time into that still-fresh copy of Dragon Age: Origins once Peggle Nights snaps its colorful, unrelenting jaws down onto you.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebookwormcasualiPadiPodpeggleplants-vs-zombiespopcapPopcap-GamesPuzzlesalezumaSun, 27 Dec 2009 11:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/game-related-startups-raise-600-million-in-2009-down-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/game-related-startups-raise-600-million-in-2009-down-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/game-related-startups-raise-600-million-in-2009-down-36/#comments
Game-related startup companies raised $600 million throughout 2009, according to GamesBeat's analysis. And while $600 million is a lot of money if you're, say, trying to sell a shooter based on the art of modern warfare, it's not quite that much when you're an up-and-coming game developer. Total investments in the field were actually down by 36% since last year. That's not a bubble bursting, but it does mean that startup investors might be a little more careful with their money in the year to come.

The biggest winners in the scene include Zynga, makers of Mafia Wars and a few other popular Facebook titles, who nabbed a big $180 million investment from a Russian technology company, and Playdom. You may not have played Sorority Life, the company's MySpace hit, but Lightspeed Venture Partners must have, because it invested $43 million in the company. If there's a theme here, it's social networking and online games: PopCap is probably the highest traditional game developer on the list, but even its $22.5 million investment was marked for putting its games on the web, mobile platforms, and social networks. Of course, that pull doesn't include the buck we gave them for Peggle.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pegglePeggle-PSNPopcap-GamespsnPuzzletrophiestrophyMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:27:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/reminder-fable-ii-dlc-peggle-death-tank-on-the-cheap-this-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/reminder-fable-ii-dlc-peggle-death-tank-on-the-cheap-this-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/reminder-fable-ii-dlc-peggle-death-tank-on-the-cheap-this-wee/#comments
Here's a little reminder that there are three, count 'em three, Xbox Live Deals of the Week this week, just in time for Thanksgiving. Up for grabs are the Fable II "See the Future" DLC, Peggle and Death Tank. Peggle is now half price at 400, "See the Future" drops from 560 ($7) to 400 ($5), while Death Tank takes a precipitous tumble from 1200 ($15) to 800 ($10).

We'll also take this time to remind everyone that this week is the perfect time to snag both Peggle and the recently released Peggle Nights expansion all for 800 ($10). Trust us, Peggle is the perfect thing to calm the inevitable family arguments over the holidays. Just don't let grandma anywhere near it, because she will not give it back.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdeath-tankdlcfable-2pegglePeggle-XBLAPopcap-GamesPuzzlexblaMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/ms-announces-incoming-games-on-demand-deals-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/ms-announces-incoming-games-on-demand-deals-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/ms-announces-incoming-games-on-demand-deals-of-the-week/#comments
Heading into the Thanksgiving weekend and the beginning of the holiday season, Microsoft has revealed the upcoming additions to Games on Demand and Deals of the Week. On November 23, Games on Demand will see three new entries, Saints Row 2, LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Battlefield: Bad Company.

The same week, there will actually be three Deals of the Week. The Fable II DLC "See the Future," normally 560 ($7) will be knocked down to 400 ($5). Meanwhile, Death Tank, usually 1200 ($15), will be reduced to 800 ($10). As The best deal, however, will be the excellent puzzler Peggle, which will shoot from 800 ($10) to 400 ($5). Pair that with the recently released Peggle Nights expansion (400), and you've got a lot of sweet, sweet Peggle for only $10.

As revealed earlier, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will the Deal of the Week starting November 30. It will be reduced from 400 ($5) to 240 ($3).

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-companydeal-of-the-weekdeath-tankfable-2games-on-demandlego-indiana-jonespegglePeggle-XBLAPopcap-GamesPuzzlesaints-row-2see-the-futuresonic-the-hedgehogsonic-the-hedgehog-2XBLAThu, 19 Nov 2009 19:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/psn-thursday-peggle-is-now-a-killing-word-muaddib/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/psn-thursday-peggle-is-now-a-killing-word-muaddib/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/psn-thursday-peggle-is-now-a-killing-word-muaddib/#comments
"A beginning is a very delicate time. Know then, that is is the year 10191. The known universe is ruled by the Emperor Björn the Super Guide. In this time, the most precious substance in the universe is the Peggle. The Peggle extends life. The Peggle expands consciousness. The Peggle is vital to space travel. PopCap Games and its designers, who the Peggle has mutated over 8000 years, use the frequency emitted by the dropping balls across pegs to fold space. That is, travel to any part of the universe without moving. Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you. The Peggle exists ... everywhere, it is all around us, sniff it up and fold some space... wheeeeeeeee! Check out the full PSN update after the break." -- Princess Tula Sunflower

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendopegglepeggle-nightsPopcap-GamesPSNPSN-StorePSN-ThursdayPuzzleThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:25:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/peggle-and-peggle-nights-coming-to-psn-on-nov-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/peggle-and-peggle-nights-coming-to-psn-on-nov-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/peggle-and-peggle-nights-coming-to-psn-on-nov-19/#comments
With the exception of Tetris, Blast Corps and Mischief Makers, Peggle is arguably the best game ever created. This Thursday, November 19, PS3 owners will be able to find out why, thanks to the simultaneous release of Peggle and Peggle Nights on the PlayStation Network.

Sure, it's been a long time coming, but the PS3 will have one exclusive feature to make up for the delayed release: Built-in YouTube support. With this feature, players will be able to upload and share replays directly from the PS3. If you've played Peggle before, you know you're bound to have some "OMG did that really happen" moments you'll want to save forever.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pegglepeggle-nightsPeggle-PSNplaystation-networkplaystation-storePopcap-GamespsnPuzzleMon, 16 Nov 2009 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/peggle-nights-may-arrive-for-xbla-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/peggle-nights-may-arrive-for-xbla-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/peggle-nights-may-arrive-for-xbla-this-week/#comments
Here's how the sausage of video game news gets made: ShackNews reports that the Peggle Nights DLC will arrive on XBLA this Wednesday, November 18. The DLC is a $5 addition to XBLA Peggle, adding sixty-something levels to the game classified in several countries as a controlled substance.

Double-checking with Peggle developer PopCap, the company hasn't officially announced the date in a release and is optimistic that Nights will be available this Wednesday. Checking with Microsoft, the company is "looking into it." So, yeah, there's no reason to doubt anyone, but there doesn't seem to be an affirmation of Peggle Nights' release this week.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pegglepeggle-nightsPeggle-XBLApopcappopcap-gamesPuzzlexblaMon, 16 Nov 2009 19:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/peggle-nights-falling-into-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/peggle-nights-falling-into-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/peggle-nights-falling-into-xbla/#commentsPeggle, after releasing pretty much everywhere else to critical acclaim, came out on Xbox Live Arcade this March, to additional critical acclaim, thanks to its new multiplayer modes. Now Peggle fans intent on either playing the game only on Xbox or on buying every Peggle release will have something else to look forward to as PopCap has announced the XBLA release of the sequel, Peggle Nights, coming by way of an XBLA expansion for the original Peggle.

Like other releases of Peggle Nights, the XBLA version includes a new Peggle Master named Marina, 60 new levels, and 60 new challenges and will be available to all Peggle players as a Title Update. Most importantly to some status-obsessed gamers, Peggle Nights will include three new Achievements, worth a total of 50 points.

Peggle Nights will be available sometime this fall for an undisclosed price.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualexpansionMicrosoftpegglepeggle-nightsPeggle-XBLApopcapPopcap-GamespuzzlexblaXbox-360Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/popcap-games-pegs-robert-chamberlain-as-new-cfo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/popcap-games-pegs-robert-chamberlain-as-new-cfo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/popcap-games-pegs-robert-chamberlain-as-new-cfo/#commentsPopCap Games, which modestly labels itself as producer of "broadly appealing" games, has announced the hiring of Robert Chamberlain as Chief Financial Officer. Chamberlain, who replaces interim CFO Karla Horwitz on August 31, 2009, will oversee the giant mountain of cash kept in the company's backlot and comically scamper after bills should a strong gust of wind allow them to escape.

Though we jest, Mr. Chamberlain's 30 years of experience as a finance executive are sure to serve him well in his new role. And just imagine the incredible resolve and concentration required to get any work done inside the Peggle factory!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscasual-gamespegglepopcappopcap-gamesrobert-chamberlainMon, 17 Aug 2009 23:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/play-world-of-warcraft-peggle-now-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/play-world-of-warcraft-peggle-now-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/play-world-of-warcraft-peggle-now-for-free/#comments
So, Blizzard and PopCap have teamed up create 10 World of Warcraft-themed Pegglelevels, which you can grab now for no money whatsoever. Exciting news? Maybe. But we can't help but wonder at what point the DEA needs to step in and start regulating this kind of stuff.

Like, this is is a combination of Peggle ... and World of Warcraft. At what point does, "Oh, sweetie, you're so addicted to Peggle! <giggle>" become, "You just blacked out on the keyboard for the 17th time, and I'm leaving you for Tracy and taking the kids with me"?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardpcpegglepopcapworld-of-warcraftWed, 08 Jul 2009 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/metabolis-chill-out-pack-brings-casual-games-parental-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/metabolis-chill-out-pack-brings-casual-games-parental-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/metabolis-chill-out-pack-brings-casual-games-parental-controls/#comments
European game service Metaboli -- partner to GameTap -- has announced its plans to launch the Chill-Out Pack, a service dedicated to downloadable, family-friendly casual games. The service is set to include over 200 casual games, including recognizable movie licenses like The Chronicles of Narnia and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, according to Casualgaming.biz. The service will update with new titles every week as well.

The Chill-Out Pack also offers new parental controls, including the ability to create sub-accounts for children, which allow parents to set parameters for their little ones, such as limiting playtime and deciding which games the kids can play.

Honestly, we thought it sounded like a great idea, until we discovered that the pack offers Peggle. As a warning to unsuspecting parents: Know that Peggle has the ability to tear your family apart. Seriously, you might want to hide it from the kids.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchill-out-packmetabolipeggleSat, 27 Jun 2009 00:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/popcaps-1-peggle-sale-on-app-store-a-hit-specials-for-other-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/popcaps-1-peggle-sale-on-app-store-a-hit-specials-for-other-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/popcaps-1-peggle-sale-on-app-store-a-hit-specials-for-other-t/#comments
PopCap's Peggle sale on the App Store was clearly another blow to the productivity of thousands (millions?) of lost souls. A representative for the publisher told us, "We sold nearly as many units in the three or four days of the sale as we did in the preceding three weeks." MTV's Multiplayer takes note of the deeper politics of the App Store sale and Peggle's success, which saw the app move on the sales chart from #60 to to #1 during the sale.

PopCap tells us it's still trying to determine what the right price is for games on the iPhone/iPod Touch, expressing that the "App Store is still kind of an experimental arena or environment for anyone who is making products there." When asked if the company plans a similar sale for any of its other highly addictive titles, we were informed that's still "TBD."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleiPadiPodpegglepopcappopcap-gamesPuzzlesaleMon, 15 Jun 2009 16:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/peggle-iphone-ipod-touch-only-1-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/peggle-iphone-ipod-touch-only-1-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/peggle-iphone-ipod-touch-only-1-for-a-limited-time/#comments
Look, guys and gals, there is a crazy sale going on right now. If you're observant and like to read post titles before you dive right in to the meaty body of text you're reading right this second, then you already know the score: Peggleon the iPhone is only $1 for a limited time. Seriously, it's only a buck up until midnight, June 14. We're talking about one of the most addictive game experiences ever, for only $1. That's like ... we can't even compare it to anything, because, dude, Peggle is only $1. That's like ordering some chicken fingers and the server hands you some filet mignon, too.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiPadiPodpegglepopcappopcap-gamespuzzlesaleThu, 11 Jun 2009 15:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/joystiq-review-peggle-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/joystiq-review-peggle-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/joystiq-review-peggle-iphone-ipod-touch/#comments
The question isn't: Should I buy Peggle? It's: Should I buy Peggle again? If you've been holding off on re-buying the game and are looking for an obsessive, detail-oriented comparison of the portable versions, read on! (Otherwise, jump to a conclusion.)

This week's iPhone/iPod touch release is the same game we've been playing for two years now on our PCs (and Macs), touch-wheel iPods, DSs, Xbox 360s, and Java/BREW cell phones. To be completely accurate, this version is a port of the original Peggle modified for use on iPhone. While it lacks any new content (so-called "trophies" hardly count) or even levels from the sequel, Peggle Nights, the iPhone adaptation excels as the definitive portable version of PopCap's masterful time sink.